Jon Walker: Ian Austin bucks coffee trend

Executives from the two businesses came under fire when they were quizzed in the House of Commons by members of the Public Accounts Committee, who accused them of failing to pay their fair share of taxes.

They’re some of Britain’s most popular brands, but Amazon and Starbucks aren’t popular with everyone.

Executives from the two businesses came under fire when they were quizzed in the House of Commons by members of the Public Accounts Committee, who accused them of failing to pay their fair share of taxes.

The firms are not breaking any laws. But Amazon keeps its tax bills low because amazon.co.uk is actually owned by a firm in Luxembourg, while Starbucks has reported a taxable profit only once in its 15 years of operating in the UK.

It was too much for Black Country MP Ian Austin (Lab, Dudley North), who tweeted “Decision made: Amazon now banned in Austin household. Starbucks boycotted. Coffee not nice anyway. Supporting businesses that support UK”.

MR Austin has been busy managing Labour’s election campaign in Corby, Northamptonshire, where Labour hopes to win a seat from the Tories.

It follows the resignation of Conservative MP Louise Mensch, pictured, the former novelist, who is heading to America to spend more time with her husband, the manager of heavy metal band Metallica.

Mr Austin has competition. Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant, the vice-chairman of the Conservative Party responsible for Parliamentary campaigning, has been helping to lead the Tory fightback in Corby.

It’s a battle between two West Midland giants.

By-elections are also taking place in Manchester Central, Cardiff South and Penarth, although these are seats which Labour is defending and should hold easily.

* The by-elections take place on Thursday, but the parties will also be anxiously awaiting the results of police commissioner elections across the country.

Will anybody vote? What will the commissioners actually do once they are elected? Nobody knows.

But the commissioners will be powerful figures. In the West Midlands, our commissioner will be responsible for deciding the priorities of West Midlands Police, setting the police budget, deciding how much extra council tax we all pay for policing (ie, the police precept), and hiring or firing chief constables.

So hopefully people will make the effort to vote. Otherwise we’ll end up with a powerful local official chosen by a handful of people.